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As corporate globalization continues to expand, integrating the
interests of local communities into a company's business operations
has become essential to reduce fluctuations in the investment environment.
Adam Smith, the father of modern economics, made the claim in The
Wealth of Nations that, "every individual intends only his
own gain, and he is in this, as in many other cases, led by an invisible
hand to promote an end which was no part of his intention…. By
pursuing his own interest he frequently promotes that of the society
more effectually than when he really intends to promote it."
This claim is the essence of corporate social responsibility (CSR),
or the notion of benefiting others as well as oneself. Revenues
and profits are no longer the only topics of conversation among
corporate CEOs; instead, they are talking about the profound impact
that the CSR trend might have to their competitive advantages and
operating revenues. In addition to higher revenues and environmental
protection, corporate sustainable growth has to also account for
the long-term development of the society.
UMC was founded 26 years ago, and has grown to become an international
corporation with offices in Taiwan, Japan, Singapore, North America
and Europe. As UMC is part of the global community, its operations
are based on corporate ethics with a responsibility to our stakeholders,
which include supply chain partners, consumers, shareholders, employees,
the community and the environment. UMC has adopted CSR as an integral
part of its corporate values and operation strategies. UMC's multi-dimensional
CSR program is integrated into every aspect of our operations, rather
than being just limited to a financial donation.
With an effective employee training system, sound welfare and health/safety
systems, and strict internal controls, UMC can ensure the most productive
operation of the company. In terms of community interaction, UMC's
public interest activities are conducted by the UMC Science and
Culture Foundation in conjunction with the Candle Light Society
to target education, cultural activities, sports and environmental
protection. Furthermore, UMC implemented the "Spreading Hope"
program in 2005, to sponsor the education of children in minority
families, and to guide and support them from the poverty level to
become contributing talents in society. This in turn will raise
the overall competitiveness of Taiwan.
In 2004, UMC received the runner up award for Environmental Excellence
from the Asian Institute of Management and the Industrial Sustainable
Excellence Award from the Industrial Bureau of the Ministry of Economic
Affairs. In 2005, UMC was awarded first place in the competition
for the Sustainable Enterprise Award by the Republic of China's
(Taiwan) Executive Yuan. These honors achieved over consecutive
years affirm UMC's efforts in environmental protection and public
interest and management, which strengthen our faith in the direction
we have chosen. Going forward, UMC will continue to expand on its
sustainable operation goals.
UMC has published its annual Corporate Environmental Report for
five consecutive years. Beginning this year, we will broaden this
to become the Corporate Social Responsibility Report. This report
is to promote our achievements in every sector within corporate
social responsibility to our shareholders and the general public.
UMC's commitment to environmental protection and public interest
issues creates a triple-win situation for the environment, the society
and the company, with the hope of ultimately achieving harmonious,
profitable, and sustainable growth. UMC recognizes that the revolution
of productivity and competitiveness is never ending. The social
responsibility trend has also become a hot topic that has begun
to influence our corporate image. A strong sense of corporate social
responsibility is the key to successfully entering the global market.
With a clear vision of corporate social responsibility as a core
value, UMC will become the benchmark for sustainable growth and
development for other company's to emulate.
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